Surplus state-owned railroad materials to be re-used across Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Transportation said that several state-owned freight rail lines will benefit from track material generated from the West Haven train station project. These freight rail lines are operated and maintained by private companies.

Five miles of track are being replaced with all-new components, re-establishing the fourth mainline track between New Haven and Milford. The new mainline track will also have overhead wire and signaling installed to operate the passenger trains that will be servicing the new West Haven train station, scheduled to open in 2013.

"Recycling rail, ties and other railroad materials is the right thing to do. Re-use of track materials generated by large-scale projects benefits Connecticut's freight railroads and the environment as we mark Earth Day this week," said Commissioner James Redeker. "The Department continues to work with all freight operators in the distribution of this sought-after material."

With this project and in accordance with a new state law, the state DOT will be recycling the used materials and distributing them to seven railroads, including the Providence & Worcester Railroad and the Housatonic Railroad Company. These entities will be able to step up their efforts to rebuild and strengthen rail infrastructure on branch lines throughout the state.